What is the Formula Hybrid Competition?

More than just a race, the Formula Hybrid SAE International Competition (aka FHSAEIC) is a competition between schools that must design, build, and race a plug-in formula race car. The emphasis of the Formula Hybrid Competition is on the engineering of the hybrid drive system and vehicle suspension to maximize performance in three different tests, acceleration, autocross and endurance.

There are many systems and sub-systems that must be designed and built to go into a vehicle such as this. Some of systems that must be developed and problems overcome are:

ICE along with its various components – intake, exhaust, cooling etc.

Electric Motor

Motor Controller and overall system controller

Accumulator system

Differential/Powertrain

Chassis

Suspension

Steering

Braking

As you can see it’s a lot more that goes into it than a couple D batteries and a steering wheel. So far, several proposals have been submitted and the overall design is coming together. I’ll divulge all the juicy details in the coming weeks.